MOVIE REVIEW by Lucas Allen: ‘Incredibles 2’ welcome return of our favorite superhero family

Incredibles 2
(Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios)

By Lucas Allen

When Pixar’s “The Incredibles” first came out in 2004, it was still a few years before the superhero genre reached pop culture height. Now, 14 years have gone by, and with the genre already reaching outrageous heights of success, it’s about time everybody’s favorite superhero family makes their second shot on the big screen.

“Incredibles 2” begins right where the first film ended before furthering the story for both fans and new viewers. It’s once again written and directed by Brad Bird, who also provides the voice of Edna Mode.
After their battle with the Underminer (John Ratzenberger) causes some collateral damage, the Parr family once again goes into hiding, but their government protection program is shut down.
Multi-millionaire Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) assures both Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) that things will get better for sure. He and his sister Evelyn (Catherine Keener) are trying to make superheroes legal again by working with the ambassador (Isabella Rossellini) into signing a new law. They also choose Elastigirl to be their spokesperson as a way to bring awareness to their initiative.
This puts Mr. Incredible in charge of the kids in their new home while trying to prove that he can be just as good as a father as he is a superhero. But things prove difficult when he has to help Dash (Huck Milner), deal with Violet’s (Sarah Powell) growing adolescence, and then there’s baby Jack-Jack developing new powers, which becomes even more challenging. Meanwhile, Elastigirl finds newfound fame saving lives from the mysterious villain Screenslaver, who’s using hypnosis on the good citizens. But it’s not long before she discovers a bigger plan that could require her entire family to come along for the ride.
Those who had to endure the 14-year wait for the sequel will be delighted to see some of their favorite characters back on the big screen. Not much has changed in their personalities, so viewers will be more than satisfied with their overall presentation. There’s also a great mix of action, comedy, and drama once again gracing the world with great ease. From beginning to end, this movie is finely tuned entertainment for all ages.
The story isn’t too bad and it does a good job dealing with the gender politics that the movie addresses. In a neat nod to “Mr. Mom,” watching Mr. Incredible taking on domestic responsibilities offers the film’s funniest moments, including Jack-Jack’s ever-growing abilities. But its biggest failing is the villain arc, which isn’t as well-realized as Syndrome from the first film. With its mysterious persona and predictable red herrings, it’s very disappointing in that aspect especially compared to better, well-written villains in the Pixar films.
Like the other Pixar films, the voice cast is what really brought the movie to life besides the stellar animation. Much of the returning actors once again play their characters with great enthusiasm that will please longtime fans. The addition of Odenkirk and Keener brought some good side comic relief with both actors finding their footing through their acting. Some new supers including Phil LaMarr as Krushauer and Sophia Bush as Voyd also add greatly to this sequel.
Despite being a step-down from the first film, “Incredibles 2,” will no doubt get plenty of love from both Pixar and superhero fans for years to come. Even though it’s easily overshadowed by the more amazing superhero films like Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, this film still stands out when it speaks to everyone about the importance of family. Hopefully, we should not wait for another decade for a third Incredibles movie.
Also worth noting is the short film before the feature, “Bao,” which is about a mother raising a son made of dough. It deals with the themes of motherhood, growing up and letting go in a surreal yet tender matter. You may find yourself reaching for some tissues before you get to the superhero action.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG (for action sequences and some brief mild language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)